Glyn Lloyd-Jones - Timelines -Remastered- (c) 2007 Synth Music Direct
Artist....: Glyn Lloyd-Jones
Album.....: Timelines
Type......: Album
Source....: CDDA
Tracks....: 06
Genre.....: Electronic
Label.....: Synth Music Direct
Catalogue#: n/a
Encoder...: LAME 3.97
Quality...: VBR kbps / 44.1KHz / Joint-Stereo
URL.......: www.synthmusicdirect.com
Tracklist:
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01 Icons 08:41
02 Reconstructing Charlie 06:50
03 Pvision 07:16
04 Timelines 08:55
05 Deadline 04:41
06 Closing Titles 03:39
Total:54,6 MB / 40:02 min
Release Notes:
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Remastered in 2003 from Original 1987 Tape
Packaged Released in 2007
'Timelines' has taken on an almost mystical air for fans of Glyn
Lloyd-Jones over the years. Mesmerised by his 'Ri' and 'Icesteps'
albums, there was occasional mention of a precursor. Information was
scant, but the mere fact that it existed "somewhere" led many to
speculate on what sort of an album could spawn some of the finest
melodic EM to come out of the UK in the past 25 years. Well, the
waiting is over. Here you can get your hands on that very album,
remastered from Glyn's own master tape.
I almost feel obliged to set expectation. The equipment this was
created on is rudimentary compared to many modern artists, or indeed
many artists contemporary with the time. But I don't need to set
expectation, because as soon as you hear the opening refrains of
'Icons' the quality just oozes out. Building on extended chords and a
superb motif picked out on the classic 80's "flutey synth" the track
literally explodes onto the soundstage at the 1:53 minute mark. This is
sensational form right from the outset. The chord laden melody is quite
simply brilliant, and brings to mind many sections of a TD concert
contemporary with the time. As an added bonus, you can literally sing
the tune and lyrics of 'Bent Cold Sidewalk' from TD's 'Cyclone' album
to this section. "Upon this key, time will slide". Oh yes, time
certainly does slide back to Glyn's cassette releases as the melodies
soar through the soundstage. The track then takes on its own shape and
personality. That ticking percussion is great, and all manner of motifs
and melodies intertwine to form a work of pure brilliance.
'Reconstructing Charlie' was written to accompany a video showing a new
technique for the photo-realistic reconstruction of a human head using
computer graphics. It does sound very filmic with chattering percussion
and sequencing, and a slightly more stripped down and atmospheric air.
However the melodic undertones are constant and come more to the fore
as a lead line grips the track and propels it to new heights. The
complexity increases as Hyperborean percussion dances and more motifs
weave a heady concoction of sound. With just under 2 minutes to go the
track takes a more atmospheric twist with wonderful pads and synth
leads backed by the merest hint of percussion.
'Pvision' utilises choppy percussion and a mazy tapestry of themes and
pads to form a deceptively complex composition. At the midpoint
trademark sequencing appears to add further lustre and the track then
slowly shapeshifts into a markedly different mood as classic GLJ
soloing appears.
On 'Timelines' you really start to hear that unique form of sequencing
which Glyn can create, in isolation a complete work of melodic themes.
Layer on that some great chords and the most delicious lead synths and
you have another blistering track. Infection like this is so hard to
create, yet it's almost reeled off at will on this track. The synths
then leave to allow the percussive structure time to dominate, before
the melodics return to create that awesome sound.
'Deadline' was written and recorded in under 1 week as an entry to the
1986 Roland Computer/Synthesiser Tape Contest (and indeed was one of
the runners-up in the professional musicians' category!). Again it
sounds very filmic, with distinct percussion forming the backdrop for
strong themes. Again the soloing is sensational, complex and
infectious. The arrangement is complex and the track twists and turns
frequently to keep you guessing.
Finally 'Closing Titles' as its name suggests creates another
soundtrack akin to TD's 'Firestarter' or 'Thief'. Carefully paced it
brings the album to a satisfying close.
'Timelines' is a fascinating insight to the development of Glyn's
trademark sound. The building blocks of 'Ri' and 'Icesteps' are evident
for all to hear. Another fantastic GLJ album! (GG)
-smd